Saturday, November 21, 2009

Video News Piece on the Vascular Theory of MS (CCSVI)

Canadian Television has produced a five-minute news piece on the "vascular theory" of MS, otherwise known as CCSVI (chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency). This theory hypothesizes that rather than autoimmunity, the narrowing and blockages of veins that drain the central nervous system may be the actual cause of MS. If proven correct, this could fundamentally change our understanding of the disease. Better still, surgical intervention could be performed that might stop the disease in its tracks.

This theory was first proposed by a doctor in Italy, Dr. Paolo Zamboni, and his research is being followed up in several locations around the globe, including a large study now underway at the University of Buffalo.

All of this is far from proven, but the research does look intriguing. At the very least, it's prompting people to look beyond the autoimmune theory of MS, which in itself is a good thing. CTV will be airing a one-hour documentary on CCSVI this weekend, and I'll provide a link to that show when it becomes available.

I participated in the Buffalo study a few weeks ago. They will soon complete testing the 1st 500 subjects and will then stop to analyze the results and report preliminary findings in February. We'll all know a whole lot more then!

They are registering people for the next 1,200 subjects so if you are interested, go to www.bnac.net. BNAC is located in Buffalo General Hospital which is very easy to maneuver. Valet parking, relatively small hospital, very nice staff and very, very cool MRI Center. I almost enjoyed my time in the tube. To complete this $5 million study, they need money, too.

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Regretfully, due to the high volume of e-mail received and the realities of living with progressive MS, I'll no longer be able to respond to all e-mails sent. I do read each note, and will do my best to answer as many messages as I can.

About Me

I'm Marc, a 53-year-old male, living in New York City with my lovely and wonderful wife Karen. Diagnosed with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis in March of 2003, I now require a wheelchair to get around the city. I like to drive the wheelchair at full speed, thus the moniker "Wheelchair Kamikaze". I've managed to rig a camera to my chair, so I'm able to take videos and still photos from the unique vantage point of a wheelchair, which I intend to post here.
Before getting sick, I was the Director of DVD Production for one of the major international music companies. Yes, I was once a member of the Evil Empire...
Prior to my enlistment in the Evil Empire, I worked as a video producer and editor.
I grew up in New York City, and spent the 1980s in Boston (college and postcollege rock 'n roll craziness). During the 1990s, I lived in South Florida, until I woke up one morning and realized I was living in South Florida, came to my senses, and moved back to New York.
I hope you like my blog...